The Buckeye breed stands out for two reasons. They were created by a woman named Mrs. Nettie Metcalf from Ohio. Metcalf crossbred Barred Plymouth Rocks, Buff Cochins, and some black breasted red games to produce the Buckeye. Her aim was to create a breed that could produce well in bitter winters. The second reason is that it is the only one to have a pea comb, in the American Class. This breed got its name from Ohio’s nickname “Buckeye State”. The mahogany color of this breed is said to be similar to the seeds of the Ohio Buckeye plant.
The PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Chicken Feeder helps combat the wastage of feed that used to happen with traditional feeding methods. The traditional methods of feeding encourage the birds to peck at what is in front of them and disregard the build-up of feed on the floor. This does not happen with the automatic feeder as the feed is eaten straight away. The ¾ inch or the 1 inch regulator disc from the PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Chicken Feeder is the suitable size to feed corn. Peas and barley can be provided using the ½ inch regulator disc.
The Buckeye has a stocky build and has a unique body shape. It is slanted, short with broad back, meaty thighs, powerful wings and breast. The Buckeye has a slate colored bar in the fluff of its back. It is tightly feathered and its pea comb makes it withstand harsh winters. It has a deep, lustrous red color of plumage, yellow legs and skin. The hen of this breed is very similar in appearance to the Rhode Island Red. The difference is a bar of slate color on the back feathers close to the body. Also, the body is also much more compact, with a short, yet broad, back.
Buckeyes are dual-purpose. They lay approximately 150 to 200 large brown eggs a year. They are well suited to small farmyard and backyard flocks. In frame and disposition, the Buckeyes display a few traits of game fowl such as assertive in character and an excellent forager. The Buckeye was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1904. The Buckeye male weighs an average of 9 lb and the hen 6.5 lb. As of 2014, Buckeyes are listed as "Threatened" by The Livestock Conservancy.
